ECOWAS resolve to support Ghana’s candidacy for 2027 African Union (AU) chairmanship

The Council of Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), at its 95th ordinary session held in Abuja, Nigeria, on 12 December 2025, has decided to support the candidature of Ghana for the position of African Union (AU) chairmanship.

The Chairperson of the African Union is selected by the Assembly following consultations by Member States. The office of the Chair of the African Union is held for a period of one year by a Head of State or Government. The current Chairperson of the African Union is H.E. João Goncalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola.

The rotational position is due to fall in West Africa for the 2027-2028 period. It will be recalled that Ghana last held the position from January 2007 to January 2008, under former President John Kufuor.

In a communiqué issued in Abuja, Nigeria, dated 12 December 2025 and signed by H.E. Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, the Council Chairman, the body urged all ECOWAS member states to support the candidacy as well.

“Mindful of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty as amended, particularly Articles 10, 11, and 12, establishing the Council of Ministers and defining its composition and functions;

“Considering the request of the Government of Ghana for the support of Member States for the candidacy of the Republic of Ghana to the Chairmanship of the African Union in 2027;

“Considering also that the Republic of Ghana is an important ECOWAS Member State and contributes to its international standing;

“Considering further the need to maintain and increase the chances of ECOWAS occupying positions in regional and international organisations;

“Determined to work in a concerted manner to support the candidacies of ECOWAS Member States or their nationals in international organizations, including the African Union, in order to ensure that the interests of ECOWAS continue to be promoted and protected;

“Desiring to adopt a common position for effective support and voting in favor of the election of the Republic of Ghana to the Chairmanship of the African Union in 2027.

“Recommends that the Authority of Heads of State and Government adopt the Declaration of Support for the Candidacy of the Republic of Ghana to the Chairmanship of the African Union for the year 2027,” the communiqué read.